After the Phillies defeated the Baltimore Orioles 2-1, reporters in the clubhouse noticed something rather odd: the absence of nameplate and belongings of Cole Hamels. While Hamels reportedly was missing a start due to a mild hamstring strain, such a move would be incredibly odd.
Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press wrote:
Cole Hamels' locker is empty, name plate gone. Not sure if it's a joke.
— Rob Maaddi Sports (@AP_RobMaaddi) June 18, 2015
Jokes of the sort have happened.
Reactions from fans have ranged from the belief it is a joke, to the hamstring strain being a rouse to buy the team more time to work out a deal. If Hamels was injured more severely, then he might clean out his locker and go home. Something is happening. It could be a major deal, or it could be a joke. Stay tuned.
UPDATE: It appears to be a joke:
Cole Hamels was NOT traded, per team spokesman. Whoever removed his name plate & stuff did so as a joke.
— Rob Maaddi Sports (@AP_RobMaaddi) June 18, 2015
Of course, Maaddi could have just asked before posting anything at all…
UPDATE TWO: It was Hamels
From Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly:
Hamels was not available for comment after Thursday’s game, but he did take the opportunity to have a little fun with the situation by emptying the contents of his locker and removing his nameplate. Upon entering the clubhouse after the game, reporters wondered whether the pitcher had been traded. It was just a prank, Hamels having a little fun with everybody.
